Becoming: Fruitful
I am the true Vine, and My Father is the Gardener. He cuts off every branch in Me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit He prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of The Word I have spoken to you. Remain in Me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in Me.
I am the Vine; you are the branches. If you remain in Me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing.
John 15:1-5 (NIV)
When fruit trees are young, they rarely bear fruit. They require open soil, plenty of sun, clean air, fresh water, and deepening roots. Careful attention, added fertilizer, and wise pruning help them grow full and strong.
Because fruitfulness happens over time: an average of 1-7 years.
When Christians are young, they rarely bear fruit. They require open hearts, the Son of God, His Living Water, and deepening faith. Careful attention from seasoned leaders (and kind reproof) help them grow full and strong.
Because fruitfulness happens over time: 3 years for the Teacher’s first disciples.
So what is OUR fruit?
If we become 'Trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord' (Isaiah 61:3), then our fruit is our witness and our work. It’s seen in three ways: smell, sight, and touch.
As 'The aroma of Christ' (2 Corinthians 2:15), we smell good to hungry hearts.
As 'Ambassadors for Christ' (2 Corinthians 5:20), we look good to lonely hearts.
As new Creations in Christ (see 2 Corinthians 5:17), we feel good to broken hearts.
When seeking souls take a bite, step, or reach in our direction, they 'Taste and see that the Lord is good' (Psalm 34:8). Fruitfulness is witnessed evangelism.*
Note #1: Fruit follows flowers. Consider these “blooms” as visible signs of maturing faith: kind eyes, warm smiles, bright greetings, open arms, helping hands, eager steps, listening ears, and generous wallets.
Note #2: Fruit doesn’t speak words. For Christians, how we act matters the most: Our motivation? 'Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness,' and 'self-control' (Galatians 5:22-23).
Note #3: Fruit isn't manmade. We can't transform ourselves to be fruitful. Only through abiding in our Father can we live fruitful and productive lives (in the Eyes of God). By Him, we bear fruit.
Actors, models, and talent for Christ:
Millions are starving. So grow deep, grow up, grow out, and blossom– in your talent and outreach to the world. Then feed the hungry. This is your mission! 'The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise' (Proverbs 11:30).
Becoming: Fruitful (Part 12, Conclusion)
* Article: 'What does it mean to be a fruitful Christian?': https://www.gotquestions.org/fruitful-Christian.html
NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God. You may see notes to 'Actors, Models & Talent for Christ.' If you think you're not in show business, think again. Shakespeare said, 'All the world's a stage and all its men and women merely players.’ Mostly true. But you're not merely players. You are messengers and ambassadors for the King of kings.